Digital direction display for a trolling motor

ABSTRACT

A trolling motor is provided including a position sensor configured to determine the direction of the trolling motor housing, a digital display, a processor, and a memory including computer program code. The computer program code is configured to, when executed, cause the processor to receive position data from the position sensor, generate display data based on the position data, and cause the display data to be displayed on the digital display. The digital display is integrated with the main housing and configured to display the display data so as to provide an indication of the current direction of the trolling motor housing relative to the watercraft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation of U.S.non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 16/276,057, entitled“Digital Direction Display for a Trolling Motor,” filed Feb. 14, 2019,which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to trolling motorassemblies and, more particularly, to systems, assemblies, andassociated methods for providing a trolling motor assembly with adigital direction display.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trolling motors are often used during fishing or other marineactivities. The trolling motors attach to the watercraft and propel thewatercraft along a body of water. For example, trolling motors mayprovide secondary propulsion or precision maneuvering that can be idealfor fishing activities. The trolling motors, however, may also beutilized for the main propulsion system of watercraft. Applicant hasdeveloped systems, assemblies, and methods detailed herein to improvefeatures and capabilities corresponding to trolling motors.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Typically, trolling motors, such as trolling motors including fixedheads, include a direction indicator, e.g. an arrow, that indicates thedirection of the motor relative to a watercraft. Generally, thedirection indicator includes a cable, a ribbon, or other mechanicallinkage that rotates the direction indicator with the rotation of thetrolling motor shaft. These mechanical linkages may be quite complex,including numerous mechanical components that are difficult towaterproof and subject to mechanical failure or drift.

In some example embodiments, a trolling motor is provided including aposition sensor configured to determine the direction of the trollingmotor relative to the watercraft. The trolling motor also includes adigital display configured to display the direction of the trollingmotor. The position sensor and digital display may enable a lesscomplicated solution that can be more easily water proofed.Additionally, the digital display may be utilized to provide additionalinformation about the trolling motor to the user.

The trolling motor may further include a speed sensor configured tomeasure the speed of the watercraft through the water. The speed of thewatercraft may be displayed on the digital display, enabling the user todetermine the speed of the watercraft without referencing other devices.Similarly, the trolling motor may include a motor sensor configured tomeasure the output of the trolling motor, such as motor speed, motorcurrent, or the like. The digital display may also indicate the outputof the trolling motor, such as in raw data or as a percentage of maximummotor output.

In some embodiments, certain features/components of the trolling motormay be powered from one or more batteries of the watercraft or trollingmotor. In some example embodiments, the trolling motor may include abattery sensor configured to measure the remaining charge on suchbatteries. For example, the battery sensor may measure a battery voltageor battery current. The digital display may indicate a remaining chargeon the battery, such as a low charge warning light, a charge bar, orcharge percentage. The indication of the remaining charge on the batterymay be beneficial for preventing the battery charge to completely runout or limiting running of the trolling motor when the battery charge islow.

In some example embodiments, the trolling motor may have a plurality ofoperating modes, such as manual mode, anchor mode, autopilot mode, speedlock mode, or a heading lock mode. In some example embodiments, thedigital display may also be configured to indicate the current operatingmode of the trolling motor.

An example embodiment of the present invention includes a trolling motorassembly configured for attachment to a watercraft. The trolling motorassembly comprises a shaft defining a first end and a second end. Thetrolling motor assembly further includes a trolling motor at leastpartially contained within a trolling motor housing. The trolling motorhousing is attached to the second end of the shaft. When the trollingmotor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trolling motorhousing is submerged in a body of water, the trolling motor, whenoperating, is configured to propel the watercraft to travel along thebody of water. The trolling motor assembly comprises a main housingconnected to the shaft proximate the first end of the shaft. The mainhousing is configured to be positioned out of the body of water when thetrolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trollingmotor housing is submerged in the body of water. The trolling motorassembly further includes a position sensor configured to determine thedirection of the trolling motor housing relative to the watercraft. Thetrolling motor assembly further includes a digital display configured todisplay the direction of the trolling motor housing relative to thewatercraft. The trolling motor assembly further includes a processor anda memory including computer program code. The computer program code isconfigured to, when executed, cause the processor to receive positiondata from the position sensor; generate display data based on theposition data, wherein the display data includes the direction of thetrolling motor housing; and cause the display data to be displayed onthe digital display. The digital display is attached to and positionedat least partially within the main housing. The digital display isconfigured to display the display data so as to provide an indication ofa current direction of the trolling motor housing relative to thewatercraft.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly further comprises aspeed sensor configured to measure the speed of the watercraft throughthe body of water. The computer program code is further configured to,when executed, cause the processor to receive speed data from the speedsensor, and the display data is further based on the speed data.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly further comprises amotor sensor configured to measure the output of the trolling motor. Thecomputer program code is further configured to, when executed, cause theprocessor to receive motor data from the speed sensor, and the displaydata is further based on the motor data. In some embodiments, the motordata comprises at least one of motor current, motor speed, or a percentof a maximum motor output.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly further comprises abattery sensor configured to measure the charge remaining on a battery.The battery is electrically connected to and supplies power to thetrolling motor. The computer program code is further configured to, whenexecuted, cause the processor to receive charge data from the batterysensor, and the display data is further based on the charge data.

In some embodiments, the computer program code is further configured to,when executed, cause the processor to receive an indication of atrolling motor mode from among a plurality of trolling motor modes, andthe display data further comprises a mode indicator that provides anindication of a current trolling motor mode. In some embodiments, theplurality of trolling motor modes includes at least two of a manualmode, an anchor mode, an autopilot mode, a speed lock mode, or a headinglock mode.

In some embodiments, the digital display is glare or heat resistant.

In some embodiments, the digital display is a liquid crystal display(LCD) display.

In some embodiments, the processor and the memory are contained withinthe main housing.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly further comprises anavigation system that includes the at least one location sensor. Thecomputer program code is further configured to, when executed, cause theone or more processors to generate at least one of a waypoint distinctfrom a location of the watercraft or a route associated with thelocation of the watercraft. In some embodiments, the trolling motorassembly further comprises an autopilot. The autopilot is configured tooperate the trolling motor to propel the watercraft to the waypoint oralong the route.

In some embodiments, the digital display comprises a first portion and asecond portion. The first portion comprises a direction indicatorindicating direction of the trolling motor relative to the vessel. Insome embodiments, the direction indicator comprises a digital dialdisposed about a circumference of the second portion. In someembodiments, the second portion includes a mode indicator, a batteryindicator, a speed indicator, a motor indicator, or text.

In another example embodiment, a system is provided. The systemcomprises a trolling motor assembly configured for attachment to awatercraft. The trolling motor assembly comprises a shaft defining afirst end and a second end. The trolling motor assembly further includesa trolling motor at least partially contained within a trolling motorhousing. The trolling motor housing is attached to the second end of theshaft. When the trolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraftand the trolling motor housing is submerged in a body of water, thetrolling motor, when operating, is configured to propel the watercraftto travel along the body of water. The trolling motor assembly furtherincludes a main housing connected to the shaft proximate the first endof the shaft. The main housing is configured to be positioned out of thebody of water when the trolling motor assembly is attached to thewatercraft and the trolling motor housing is submerged in the body ofwater. The trolling motor assembly further includes a position sensorconfigured to determine the direction of the trolling motor housingrelative to the watercraft. The trolling motor assembly further includesa digital display configured to display the direction of the trollingmotor housing. The system further includes a processor and a memoryincluding computer program code. The computer program code is configuredto, when executed, cause the processor to receive position data from theposition sensor; generate display data based on the position data,wherein the display data includes the direction of the trolling motorhousing relative to the watercraft; and cause the display data to bedisplayed on the digital display. The digital display is integrated withthe main housing and configured to display the display data so as toprovide an indication of a current direction of the trolling motorhousing relative to the watercraft.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a speed sensorconfigured to measure the speed of the watercraft through the body ofwater. The computer program code is further configured to, whenexecuted, cause the processor to receive speed data from the speedsensor, and the display data is further based on the speed data.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a motor sensorconfigured to measure the output of the trolling motor. The computerprogram code is further configured to, when executed, cause theprocessor to receive motor data from the speed sensor, and the displaydata is further based on the motor data.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a battery sensorconfigured to measure the charge remaining on a battery. The battery iselectrically connected to and supplies power to the trolling motor. Thecomputer program code is further configured to, when executed, cause theprocessor to receive charge data from the battery sensor, and thedisplay data is further based on the charge data.

In yet another embodiment, a method for displaying a current directionof a trolling motor housing relative to a watercraft is provided. Themethod comprises providing a trolling motor assembly configured forattachment to the watercraft. The trolling motor assembly comprises ashaft defining a first end and a second end and a trolling motor atleast partially contained within the trolling motor housing. Thetrolling motor housing is attached to the second end of the shaft. Whenthe trolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraft and thetrolling motor housing is submerged in a body of water, the trollingmotor, when operating, is configured to propel the watercraft to travelalong the body of water. The trolling motor assembly further includes amain housing connected to the shaft proximate the first end of theshaft. The main housing is configured to be positioned out of the bodyof water when the trolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraftand the trolling motor housing is submerged in the body of water. Thetrolling motor assembly further includes a position sensor configured todetermine the direction of the trolling motor housing relative to thewatercraft and a digital display configured to display the direction ofthe trolling motor housing relative to the watercraft. The methodfurther includes receiving, at a processor, position data from theposition sensor; generating, via the processor, display data based onthe position data, wherein the display data includes the direction ofthe trolling motor housing; and causing the display data to be displayedon the digital display. The digital display is integrated with the mainhousing and configured to display the display data so as to provide anindication of a current direction of the trolling motor housing relativeto the watercraft.

In yet another embodiment, a trolling motor assembly configured forattachment to a watercraft is provided. The trolling motor assemblycomprises a shaft defining a first end and a second end and a trollingmotor at least partially contained within a trolling motor housing. Thetrolling motor housing is attached to the second end of the shaft. Whenthe trolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraft and thetrolling motor housing is submerged in a body of water, the trollingmotor, when operating, is configured to propel the watercraft to travelalong the body of water. The trolling motor assembly further includes amain housing connected to the shaft proximate the first end of theshaft. The main housing is configured to be positioned out of the bodyof water when the trolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraftand the trolling motor housing is submerged in the body of water. Thetrolling motor assembly further includes a position sensor configured todetermine the direction of the trolling motor housing relative to thewatercraft. The trolling motor assembly further includes a digitaldisplay, a processor, and a memory including computer program code. Thecomputer program code is configured to, when executed, cause theprocessor to receive position data from the position sensor; compare theposition data to a predetermined display orientation; generate displaydata; and cause the display data to be displayed on the digital displayin a predetermined direction relative to the watercraft based on thecomparison of the position data to the predetermined display orientationsuch that the display data is presented in a direction that appearsright side up to a user on the watercraft while the trolling motorhousing rotates.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly further comprises aspeed sensor configured to measure the speed of the watercraft throughthe body of water. The computer program code is further configured to,when executed, cause the processor to receive speed data from the speedsensor, and the display data is based on the speed data.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly further comprises amotor sensor configured to measure the output of the trolling motor. Thecomputer program code is further configured to, when executed, cause theprocessor to receive motor data from the speed sensor, and the displaydata is based on the motor data. In some embodiments, the motor datacomprises at least one of motor current, motor speed, or a percent of amaximum motor output.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly further comprises abattery sensor configured to measure the charge remaining on a battery.The battery is electrically connected to and supplies power to thetrolling motor. The computer program code is further configured to, whenexecuted, cause the processor to receive charge data from the batterysensor, and the display data is based on the charge data.

In some embodiments, the computer program code is further configured to,when executed, cause the processor to receive an indication of atrolling motor mode from among a plurality of trolling motor modes, andthe display data comprises a mode indicator that provides an indicationof a current trolling motor mode.

In some embodiments, the digital display is glare or heat resistant.

In some embodiments, the digital display is a liquid crystal display(LCD) display

In some embodiments, the processor and the memory are contained withinthe main housing.

In some embodiments, the digital display comprises a first portion and asecond portion, wherein the first portion comprises a directionindicator indicating a direction of the trolling motor relative to thevessel. In some embodiments, the direction indicator comprises a digitaldial disposed about a circumference of the second portion. In someembodiments, the second portion includes a mode indicator, a batteryindicator, a speed indicator, a motor indicator, or text.

In some embodiments, the display data comprises sonar data.

In yet another embodiment, a system is provided. The system comprises atrolling motor assembly configured for attachment to a watercraft. Thetrolling motor assembly comprises a shaft defining a first end and asecond end and a trolling motor at least partially contained within atrolling motor housing. The trolling motor housing is attached to thesecond end of the shaft. When the trolling motor assembly is attached tothe watercraft and the trolling motor housing is submerged in a body ofwater, the trolling motor, when operating, is configured to propel thewatercraft to travel along the body of water. The trolling motorassembly further includes a main housing connected to the shaftproximate the first end of the shaft. The main housing is configured tobe positioned out of the body of water when the trolling motor assemblyis attached to the watercraft and the trolling motor housing issubmerged in the body of water. The trolling motor assembly furtherincludes a position sensor configured to determine the direction of thetrolling motor housing relative to the watercraft. The trolling motorassembly further includes a digital display, a processor, and a memoryincluding computer program code. The computer program code is configuredto, when executed, cause the processor to receive position data from theposition sensor; compare the position data to a predetermined displayorientation; generate display data; and cause the display data to bedisplayed on the digital display in a predetermined direction relativeto the watercraft based on the comparison of the position data to thepredetermined display orientation such that the display data ispresented in a direction that appears right side up to a user on thewatercraft.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a motor sensorconfigured to measure the output of the trolling motor. The computerprogram code is further configured to, when executed, cause theprocessor to receive motor data from the speed sensor, and the displaydata is based on the motor data.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a battery sensorconfigured to measure the charge remaining on a battery. The battery iselectrically connected to and supplies power to the trolling motor. Thecomputer program code is further configured to, when executed, cause theprocessor to receive charge data from the battery sensor, and thedisplay data is based on the charge data.

In some embodiments, the digital display is glare or heat resistant.

In some embodiments, the digital display comprises a first portion and asecond portion, wherein the first portion comprises a directionindicator indicating direction of the trolling motor relative to thevessel. The direction indicator comprises a digital dial disposed abouta circumference of the second portion.

In some embodiments, the display data comprises sonar data.

In yet another example embodiment, a method is provided. The methodcomprises providing a trolling motor assembly configured for attachmentto the watercraft. The trolling motor assembly comprises a shaftdefining a first end and a second end and a trolling motor at leastpartially contained within the trolling motor housing. The trollingmotor housing is attached to the second end of the shaft. When thetrolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trollingmotor housing is submerged in a body of water, the trolling motor, whenoperating, is configured to propel the watercraft to travel along thebody of water. The trolling motor assembly further includes a mainhousing connected to the shaft proximate the first end of the shaft. Themain housing is configured to be positioned out of the body of waterwhen the trolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraft and thetrolling motor housing is submerged in the body of water. The trollingmotor assembly further includes a position sensor configured todetermine the direction of the trolling motor housing relative to thewatercraft and a digital display. The method further includes receiving,at a processor, position data from the position sensor; comparing theposition data to a predetermined display orientation; generating displaydata; and causing the display data to be displayed on the digitaldisplay in a predetermined direction relative to the watercraft based onthe comparison of the position data to the predetermined displayorientation such that the display data is presented in a direction thatappears right side up to a user on the watercraft while the trollingmotor housing rotates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example trolling motor assembly attached to afront of a watercraft, in accordance with some embodiments discussedherein;

FIG. 2 shows an example trolling motor assembly configured forhand-control, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 3 shows another the example trolling motor assembly that isconfigured for control via a foot pedal, in accordance with someembodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 4 shows an example main housing for a trolling motor assembly,wherein a digital display is integrated into the main housing, inaccordance with some embodiments discussed herein;

FIGS. 5A and 5B show example digital displays, in accordance with someembodiments discussed herein;

FIGS. 6A-6C show example steerable trolling motors wherein a digitaldisplay is integrated into the main housing, in accordance with someexample embodiments discussed herein;

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram illustrating a marine system including anexample trolling motor assembly, in accordance with some embodimentsdiscussed herein;

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram illustrating a marine system includinganother example trolling motor assembly, in accordance with someembodiments discussed herein; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an example method for processingmarine data and generating an image according to some embodimentsdiscussed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention now will be describedmore fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, inwhich some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein;rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure willsatisfy applicable legal requirements. Like reference numerals refer tolike elements throughout.

Some embodiments of the present invention provide trolling motorassemblies with a position sensor and digital display. Such exampleembodiments enable an indication of the direction of the trolling motorwithout complicated mechanical linkages, which may be subject to failureor may be difficult to waterproof. Additionally, the digital display maybe used to provide other information relevant to the trolling motor,such as speed, motor output, battery charge, operating mode, or thelike. This may reduce the need for an operator to reference otherdevices, which may be in locations remote to the trolling motor, todetermine the additional information.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example watercraft 10 on a body of water 15. Thewatercraft 10 has a trolling motor assembly 20 attached to its front,with a trolling motor 50 submerged in the body of water. The trollingmotor can be used as a propulsion system to cause the watercraft totravel along the surface of the water. While the depicted embodimentshows the trolling motor assembly 20 attached to the front of thewatercraft 10 and as a secondary propulsion system, example embodimentsdescribed herein contemplate that the trolling motor assembly 20 may beattached in any position on the watercraft 10 and/or may be the primarypropulsion system for the watercraft 10.

Depending on the design, a trolling motor may be gas-powered orelectric. Moreover, steering may be accomplished manually via handcontrol, via foot control, or even through use of a remote control.Additionally, in some cases, an autopilot may operate the trolling motorautonomously.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example trolling motor assembly 200 that iselectric and hand controlled (e.g., trolling motor assembly 100 in FIG.7). The trolling motor assembly 200 includes a shaft 225 defining afirst end 226 and a second end 227, a trolling motor housing 250 and amain housing 210.

The trolling motor housing 250 is attached to the second end 227 of theshaft 225 and at least partially contains a trolling motor that connectsto a propeller 252. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, when thetrolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trollingmotor (or trolling motor housing) is submerged in the water, thetrolling motor is configured to propel the watercraft to travel alongthe body of water. In addition to containing the trolling motor, thetrolling motor housing may include other components described herein,including, for example, a sonar transducer assembly (160 in FIG. 7)and/or other sensors.

The main housing 210 is connected to the shaft 225 proximate the firstend 226 of the shaft 225 and includes a hand control rod 218 thatenables control of the trolling motor by a user (e.g., through angularrotation). As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, when the trollingmotor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trolling motor (ortrolling motor housing) is submerged in the water, the main housing ispositioned out of the body of water and visible/accessible by a user.The main housing 210 may be configured to house components of thetrolling motor assembly, such as may be used for processing marine orsensor data and/or controlling operation of the trolling motor, amongother things. For example, with reference to FIG. 7, depending on theconfiguration and features of the trolling motor assembly, the mainhousing 210 may contain, for example, one or more of a processor 110,sonar signal processor 115, memory 120, location sensor 146, positionsensor 180, communication interface 130, user interface 135, or adisplay 140.

The trolling motor assembly 200 may also include an attachment device228 (e.g., a clamp or other attachment means) to enable connection orattachment of the trolling motor assembly to the watercraft. Dependingon the attachment device used, the trolling motor assembly may beconfigured for rotational movement relative to the watercraft,including, for example, 360 degree rotational movement.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example trolling motor assembly 300 that iselectric and controlled with a foot pedal (e.g., trolling motor assembly100′ in FIG. 8). The trolling motor assembly 300 includes a shaft 325defining a first end 326 and a second end 327, a trolling motor housing350 and a main housing 310.

The trolling motor housing 350 is attached to the second end 327 of theshaft 325 and at least partially contains a trolling motor that connectsto a propeller 352. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, when thetrolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trollingmotor (or trolling motor housing) is submerged in the water, thetrolling motor is configured to propel the watercraft to travel alongthe body of water. In addition to containing the trolling motor, thetrolling motor housing may include other components described herein,including, for example, a sonar transducer assembly (160′ in FIG. 8)and/or other sensors.

The main housing 310 is connected proximate the first end 326 of theshaft 325. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, when the trollingmotor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trolling motor (ortrolling motor housing) is submerged in the water, the main housing ispositioned out of the body of water and visible/accessible by a user.The main housing 310 may be configured to house components of thetrolling motor assembly, such as may be used for processing marine dataand/or controlling operation of the trolling motor, among other things.For example, with reference to FIG. 8, depending on the configurationand features of the trolling motor assembly, the main housing 310 maycontain, for example, one or more of a processor 110′, sonar signalprocessor 115′, memory 120′, location sensor 146′, position sensor 180′,or communication interface 130′.

The trolling motor assembly 300 also includes a foot pedal housing 370that is electrically connected to the trolling motor (such as throughthe main housing 310) using the cable 372. The foot pedal housing 370contains a foot pedal (e.g., 175′ in FIG. 8) that enables a user tosteer and/or otherwise operate the trolling motor to control thedirection and speed of travel of the watercraft. The foot pedal housing370 may also contain, in accordance with some embodiments, a display(140′ in FIG. 8) and/or user interface (135′ in FIG. 8). Further,depending on the configuration of the foot pedal, the foot pedal housing370 (and/or main housing 310) may comprise an electrical plug 373 thatcan be connected to an external power source of powering the variouscomponents of the trolling motor assembly 300.

The trolling motor assembly 300 may also include an attachment device,such as a clamp, mount, etc., (not shown) to enable connection orattachment of the trolling motor assembly to the watercraft. Dependingon the attachment device used, the trolling motor assembly may beconfigured for rotational movement relative to the watercraft,including, for example, 360 degree rotational movement.

As detailed herein, some embodiments of the present invention provide adigital display and/or user interface with a trolling motor assembly. Inthis regard, depending on the configuration, the display and/or userinterface may be integrated into one or more components of the trollingmotor assembly to form a single assembly that provides the user withaccess or visibility to many different features that are pertinent tothe trolling motor and/or watercraft.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example main housing 310 for a trolling motorassembly, wherein the display and/or user interface 314 is integratedwith the main housing 310. In particular, the display and/or userinterface 314 is contained within the physical structure 318 of the mainhousing 310. In some embodiments, the display and/or user interface 314is configured to display data. In the depicted embodiment, the screen ofthe display and/or user interface 314 is presenting an indication 397 ofthe direction of the trolling motor housing 350 relative to thewatercraft 10, an operating mode 398, and speed data 399. FIG. 7illustrates a block diagram of an example trolling motor assembly 100with a display 140 and user interface 135 integrated within the mainhousing 105.

In some embodiments, the display and/or user interface 314 may be ascreen that is configured to merely present images and not receive userinput. In other embodiments, the display and/or user interface 314 maybe a user interface such that it is configured to receive user input insome form. For example, the user interface may include one or morebuttons (not shown) that enable user input. The display and/or userinterface 314 may include an indication of the direction of the trollingmotor housing 350 relative to the watercraft, an operation mode, orother relevant information, as discussed below.

The display and/or user interface 314 may include a digital display suchas a liquid crystal (LCD) display, a light emitting diode (LED) display,or the like. In some example embodiments, the digital display may beglare resistant and/or heat resistant. For example, the digital displaymay include an anti-glare coating, utilizing diffusion mechanisms, apolarized lens, or a heat resistant coating.

Although, depicted in FIG. 4 as integrated into the main housing 310,the display and/or user interface may be separately attached or may,additionally or alternatively, be integrated into or separately attachedto the foot pedal housing 370. The ability to include the display and/oruser interface 314 in either, or both of, the main housing 310 and thefoot peddle housing 370 provides greater design flexibility.

Turning to FIG. 5A and referencing FIGS. 7 and 8, some exampleembodiments include an example display 140, 140′ and/or user interface135, 135′. As discussed above, the display 140, 140′ and/or userinterface 135, 135′ may include a digital display 400. The digitaldisplay 400 may include a first portion 402 configured to displayvarious trolling motor information and a second portion 404 configuredto display a direction indicator indicative of the direction of thetrolling motor housing 150, 150′ (e.g., relative to the watercraft 10when the trolling motor is so mounted/attached). In an exampleembodiment, the second portion 404 may be disposed about acircumference, or periphery, of the first portion 402.

In an example embodiment, the second portion 404 may include a pluralityof display segments 406. In some example embodiments, each of thedisplay segments 406 may include one or more LCD segments or LEDs. Thetrolling motor assembly 100, 100′ may cause one or more of the displaysegments 406 of the second portion to energize or de-energize to providean indication of a direction of the trolling motor housing 150, 150′(e.g., similar to shown as 397 in FIG. 4).

In operation, a position sensor 180, 180′ may be operably coupled toeither the shaft 225, 325 or steering mechanism, such that the positionsensor 180, 180′ measures the rotational change in position of thetrolling motor housing 150, 150′ as the trolling motor is turned. Theposition sensor 180, 180′ may be a magnetic sensor, a light sensor,mechanical sensor, or the like. The position sensor 180, 180′ may bedisposed within the main housing 210, 310 of the trolling motor housing150, 150′, or any other suitable location.

In some example embodiments, the user may calibrate the position sensor180, 180′ by setting the trolling motor housing 150, 150′ to apredetermined position/direction, such as straight forward or straightback relative to the watercraft 10 and set a referenceposition/direction. The position sensor 180, 180′ may then measure thedifference between the reference position and the current positionand/or determine a change in position of the trolling motor relative tothe reference position/direction. A processor 110, 110′ of the trollingmotor assembly 100, 100′, may receive position data from the positionsensor 180, 180′ for the reference position and store the referenceposition data in a memory 120, 120′ as reference position data. Thetrolling motor assembly 100, 100′, or more particularly, the processor110, 110′ may receive position data from the position sensor 180, 180′and generate display data indicative of the direction of the trollingmotor housing 150, 150′ relative to the watercraft 10. The processor110, 110′ may compare the position data to the reference position datato determine the direction of the trolling motor housing 150, 150′, suchas relative to the reference direction and/or the watercraft. Theprocessor 110, 110′ may then generate display data based on the positiondata, such as determining one or more display segments 406,corresponding to the direction of the trolling motor housing 150, 150′,to energize or de-energize in the second portion 404 of the digitaldisplay 400. The processor 110, 110′ may then transmit a control signalto the digital display 400 to cause the display data to be displayed onthe digital display, e.g. energizing or de-energizing the one or moredisplay segments 406.

In addition to the direction of the trolling motor housing 150, 150′,the digital display 400 may also provide other relevant informationregarding the trolling motor assembly 100, 100′. In some exampleembodiments, the trolling motor assembly may be configured for thedigital display to provide one or more of speed, motor output, batterycharge, operating condition, or the like.

In an example embodiment, the trolling motor assembly 100, 100′ mayinclude a speed sensor 181, 181′, such as an electromagnetic speedsensor, paddle wheel speed sensor, or the like. The speed sensor 181,181′ may be configured to measure the speed of the watercraft 10 throughthe water. The processor 110, 110′ may receive speed data from the speedsensor 181, 181′ and generate additional display data indicative of thespeed of the watercraft 10 through the water. The speed data may bedisplayed, such as in text format on the first portion 402 of thedigital display 400. The speed data may be displayed in any relevantunit, such as miles per hour, kilometers per hour, feet per minute, orthe like. In some instances, a unit identifier, such as a plurality ofLEDs, may be provided in association with the display 408 (althoughshown in normal text, in some embodiments, a seven digit display may beutilized, such as shown in FIG. 4). The processor 110, 110′ may cause anLED associated with the appropriate unit for the speed data to beilluminated.

In some example embodiments, the trolling motor assembly 100, 100′ mayinclude a motor sensor 182, 182′. The motor sensor may be a voltagesensor, a rotation per minute (RPM) sensor, a current sensor, or othersuitable sensor to measure the output of the trolling motor 155, 155′.The processor 110, 110′ may receive the motor data from the motor sensor182, 182′ and determine a motor output. In an example embodiment, themotor data may be compared to a data table (which may be stored inmemory 120, 120′) to determine a motor output, such as a percentage ofmaximum motor output. The processor 110, 110′ may generate additionaldisplay data indicative of the motor output and cause the display datato be displayed in the first portion 402 of the digital display 400. Forexample, the motor data may be the measured voltage, current, or RPMdisplayed in the display 408, a percentage of the maximum motor outputdisplayed in the display 408 or graphically in a segment bar, a high orlow motor output warning light, or other suitable display. The segmentbar may include a plurality of display segments which may be energizedor de-energized to indicate a corresponding proportion of the maximumoutput of the motor.

In some example embodiments, the trolling motor assembly 100, 100′includes a battery sensor 183, 183′. The battery sensor 183, 183′ mayinclude a current sensor or voltage sensor configured to measure thecurrent charge of a battery power supply of the trolling motor assembly100. The battery sensor 183, 183′ may be configured to measureindividual battery cells or measure a battery bank. The processor 110,110′ may receive battery data from the battery sensor 183, 183′ anddetermine the remaining charge on the battery. In an example embodiment,the voltage or current measured by the battery sensor 183, 183′ may becompared to a reference value or data table, stored in memory 120, 120′,to determine the remaining charge on the battery. The processor 110,110′ may generate display data including the battery data and cause thebattery data to be displayed in the first portion 402 of the digitaldisplay 400. For example, the battery data may be the measured voltageor current displayed in the display 408, a percentage of the maximumbattery charge displayed in the display 408 or graphically in a segmentbar, a high or low battery charge warning light, or other suitabledisplay. The segment bar may include a plurality of display segmentswhich may be energized or de-energized to indicate a correspondingproportion of the maximum charge of the battery.

In some example embodiment, the trolling motor assembly 100, 100′ mayinclude a plurality of operating modes, such as a manual mode, an anchormode, an autopilot mode, a speed lock mode, a heading lock mode, or thelike. The processor 100, 100′ may receive an indication of the currentoperating mode and generate display data indicative of the currentoperating mode. In an example embodiment, the mode may be represented bya number, letter, or character value displayed, such as on the sevensegment display. Additionally or alternatively, each mode may berepresented by a mode icon. For example, a manual mode may berepresented by a manual mode icon 410, such as a propeller, a speed lockmode may be represented by a speed lock icon 412, such as an vesseloutline with arrow, an anchor lock mode may be represented by an anchorlock icon 414, such as an anchor, and a heading lock mode may berepresented by a heading lock icon 416, such as a vessel outline with adirectional indicator.

In addition to the mode icons, other informational icons may also beprovided. In an example embodiment, the digital display 400 may includeone or more of a speed icon, a battery icon 418, and a motor icon 420.These additional icons may be used to indicate the type of datadisplayed on the seven segment display. For example, no icon may beindicated when speed data is displayed, however, a battery icon 418 ormotor icon 420 may be displayed to indicate battery data or motor datais being displayed, respectively.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly 100, 100′ may beconfigured to determine the location of the watercraft, such as throughlocation sensor 146, 146′. The trolling motor assembly 100, 100′ maycomprise, or be associated with, a navigation system that includes thelocation sensor 146, 146′. In such a regard, the processor 110, 110′ maybe configured to act as a navigation system. For example, the processor110, 110′ may generate at least one waypoint that is distinct from thelocation of the watercraft. Additionally or alternatively, the processormay generate one or more routes associated with the watercraft. Thelocation of the vessel, waypoints, and/or routes may be displayed on anavigation chart on a display remote from the trolling motor assembly100, 100′.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly 100, 100′ may comprisean autopilot that is configured to operate the trolling motor to propelthe watercraft in a direction and at a speed. In some embodiments, theautopilot may direct the watercraft to a waypoint (e.g., a latitude andlongitude coordinate). Additionally or alternatively, the autopilot maybe configured to direct the watercraft along a route, such as inconjunction with the navigation system. Further, additional autopilotfeatures (e.g., anchoring) are also contemplated. In some exampleembodiment, the processor 110, 110′ may receive an indication of thetrolling motor operating condition being the autopilot mode. Theprocessor 110, 110′ may generate display data based on the autopilotoperating mode and cause an indication of the autopilot operating modeto be displayed on the digital display 400 in the first portion 402,such as an autopilot icon 422.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly 100, 100′ may comprisea sonar system including a sonar transducer assembly 160, 160′. Thesonar transducer assembly 160, 160′ may be housed in the trolling motorhousing 150, 150′ and configured to gather sonar data from theunderwater environment relative to the watercraft. Accordingly, theprocessor 110, 110′ may be configured to receive an indication ofoperation of the sonar transducer assembly 160, 160′. The processor 110,110′ may generate additional display data indicative of the operation ofthe sonar transducer and cause the display data to be displayed on thedigital display 400. For example, a sonar icon (not shown) may beenergized to indicate that the sonar transducer is operating.

Additionally or alternatively, the digital display 400 (e.g., within thefirst portion) may be configured to display sonar images, such asdepicted in FIG. 5B. The processor 110, 110′ may be configured toreceive sonar data from the sonar transducer assembly 160, 160′ andgenerate one or more sonar images based on the sonar data, e.g. sonarreturns. The processor 110, 110′ may then cause the one or more sonarimages to be displayed on the digital display 400, in real time or nearreal time, as the watercraft 10 traverses the body of water. As such,the display data described above may include the one or more sonarimages.

In some embodiments, the trolling motor assembly 100, 100′ may beconfigured such that the one or more processors electrically control thetrolling motor in addition to the features described herein.

The digital display 400 may be fixed relative to the main housing 310 orfoot pedal housing 370, such as when mounted in a fixed head trollingmotor 200 or in a foot pedal, as described above. Alternatively, arotating head trolling motor, such as an example hand steer trollingmotor depicted in FIG. 6A, may include a rotating digital display(although non-hand steer trolling motors may also include a rotatingdigital display). The rotating digital display may physically rotaterelative the main housing, or be configured to rotate the display datato maintain the display data oriented in a predetermined directionrelative to the watercraft 10. Turning to FIGS. 6B and 6C, a mainhousing 610 of the trolling motor is depicted including a digitaldisplay 614. A watercraft orientation is depicted by arrow 602. Thedisplay data, here speed data 699, is oriented to be readable by a userpositioned on the watercraft 10. The display data is rendered on thedigital display 614 in a predetermined display orientation relative tothe watercraft orientation 602 regardless of the orientation of the mainhousing 610.

In a first example embodiment, the digital display 614 may be in a fixedposition, relative to the watercraft 10, and the main housing 610 may beconfigured to rotate about the digital display 614. For example, thedigital display 614 may be directly, or indirectly, coupled to atrolling motor mount connecting the trolling motor to the watercraft 10.The digital display 614 may, in some embodiments, operate substantiallythe same as the digital display 400 described above.

In a second example embodiment, the digital display is attached to themain housing 610 and rotates with the main housing. The processor 110,may receive the position data described above to determine the positionof the trolling motor housing 350 relative to the watercraft 10, todetermine a display orientation. The processor 110 may compare theposition data to a predetermined display orientation and generate thedisplay data based on the difference between the position data and thedisplay orientation, such that the display data is displayed on thedigital display in the desired orientation. For example, a displayorientation may be set during the setting of the reference position, asdiscussed above in reference to FIG. 5A, such as a direction oppositethe reference position. Alternatively, the user may set the displayorientation separately, such as by rotating the main housing 610 untilthe digital display 614 is in the proper orientation and then entering auser input setting the display orientation. The processor 110 may storethe display orientation in a memory 120 for future reference. Theprocessor 110 may receive position data, speed data, and other types ofdata, as discussed above, and generate display data. The processor 110may compare the position data to the predetermined display orientation.The processor 110 may determine a difference between a current positionand the predetermined display orientation, which may be used to generatedisplay data with the desired orientation. The processor 110 may thencause the display data to be displayed on the digital display 614 in thedesired orientation.

In a third example embodiment, the digital display may be configured torotate counter to the rotation of the main housing 610, therebymaintaining digital display in the desired orientation. For example, thedigital display 614 or main housing 610 may include one or more circularcontacts and the opposite may include drag contacts that maintaincontact with their corresponding circular contact as the digital display614 rotates. The circular contacts and drag contacts may provide datacommunication to the digital display 614. The digital display 614 may becaused to rotate by a mechanical linkage, such as gears disposed betweenthe main housing 610 and the digital display 614. The gears may rotatethe digital display 614 in the opposite direction at the same rate asthe rotation of the main housing. Additionally or alternatively, anelectric motor may be disposed within the main housing 610. The electricmotor may rotate the digital display opposite the rotation of the mainhousing 610 based on the position data, described above.

Example System Architecture

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of an example trolling motor assembly 100capable for use with several embodiments of the present invention. Asshown, the trolling motor assembly 100 may include a number of differentmodules or components, each of which may comprise any device or meansembodied in either hardware, software, or a combination of hardware andsoftware configured to perform one or more corresponding functions. Forexample, the trolling motor assembly 100 may include a main housing 105and a trolling motor housing 150.

The trolling motor assembly 100 may also include one or morecommunications modules configured to communicate with one another in anyof a number of different manners including, for example, via a network.In this regard, the communication interface (e.g., 130) may include anyof a number of different communication backbones or frameworksincluding, for example, Ethernet, the NMEA 2000 framework, GPS,cellular, WiFi, or other suitable networks. The network may also supportother data sources, including GPS, autopilot, engine data, compass,radar, etc. Numerous other peripheral, remote devices such as one ormore wired or wireless multi-function displays may be connected to thetrolling motor assembly 100.

The main housing 105 may include a processor 110, a sonar signalprocessor 115, a memory 120, a communication interface 130, a userinterface 135, a display 140, one or more sensors (e.g., location sensor146, a position sensor 180, a speed sensor 181, a motor sensor 182, anda battery sensor 183).

The processor 110 and/or a sonar signal processor 115 may be any meansconfigured to execute various programmed operations or instructionsstored in a memory device such as a device or circuitry operating inaccordance with software or otherwise embodied in hardware or acombination of hardware and software (e.g., a processor operating undersoftware control or the processor embodied as an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA)specifically configured to perform the operations described herein, or acombination thereof) thereby configuring the device or circuitry toperform the corresponding functions of the processor 110 as describedherein.

In this regard, the processor 110 may be configured to analyzeelectrical signals communicated thereto to provide display data to thedisplay to indicate the direction of the trolling motor housing relativeto the watercraft.

In some example embodiments, the processor 110 or sonar signal processor115 may be configured to receive sonar data indicative of the size,location, shape, etc. of objects detected by the system 100. Forexample, the processor 110 may be configured to receive sonar returndata and process the sonar return data to generate sonar image data fordisplay to a user (e.g., on display 140 or a remote display).

In some embodiments, the processor 110 may be further configured toimplement signal processing or enhancement features to improve thedisplay characteristics or data or images, collect or process additionaldata, such as time, temperature, GPS information, waypoint designations,or others, or may filter extraneous data to better analyze the collecteddata. It may further implement notices and alarms, such as thosedetermined or adjusted by a user, to reflect depth, presence of fish,proximity of other watercraft, etc.

The memory 120 may be configured to store instructions, computer programcode, marine data, such as sonar data, chart data, location/positiondata, and other data associated with the sonar system in anon-transitory computer readable medium for use, such as by theprocessor.

The communication interface 130 may be configured to enable connectionto external systems (e.g., an external network 102). In this manner, theprocessor 110 may retrieve stored data from a remote, external servervia the external network 102 in addition to or as an alternative to theonboard memory 120.

The location sensor 146 may be configured to determine the currentposition and/or location of the main housing 105. For example, thelocation sensor 146 may comprise a GPS, bottom contour, inertialnavigation system, such as micro electro-mechanical sensor (MEMS), aring laser gyroscope, or the like, or other location detection system.

The display 140 may be configured to display images and may include orotherwise be in communication with a user interface 135 configured toreceive input from a user. The display 140 may be, for example, aconventional LCD (liquid crystal display), an LED display, or the like.The display may be integrated into the main housing 105. In some exampleembodiments, additional displays may also be included, such as a touchscreen display, mobile device, or any other suitable display known inthe art upon which images may be displayed.

In any of the embodiments, the display 140 may be configured to displayan indication of the current direction of the trolling motor housing 150relative to the watercraft. Additionally, the display may be configuredto display other relevant trolling motor information including, but notlimited to, speed data, motor data battery data, current operating mode,auto pilot, or the like.

The user interface 135 may include, for example, a keyboard, keypad,function keys, mouse, scrolling device, input/output ports, touchscreen, or any other mechanism by which a user may interface with thesystem.

The position sensor 180 may be found in one or more of the main housing105, the trolling motor housing 150, or remotely. In some embodiments,the position sensor 180 may be configured to determine a direction ofwhich the trolling motor housing is facing. In some embodiments, theposition sensor 180 may be operably coupled to either the shaft 225, 325or steering mechanism, such that the position sensor 180 measures therotational change in position of the trolling motor housing 150 as thetrolling motor is turned. The position sensor 180 may be a magneticsensor, a light sensor, mechanical sensor, or the like.

The trolling motor housing 150 may include a trolling motor 155, a sonartransducer assembly 160, and one or more other sensors (e.g., motorsensor 182, position sensor 180, water temperature, current, etc.),which may each be controlled through the processor 110 (such as detailedherein).

In an example embodiment, the trolling motor assembly 100 may include aspeed sensor 181, such as an electromagnetic speed sensor, paddle wheelspeed sensor, or the like. The speed sensor 181 may be configured tomeasure the speed of the watercraft 10 through the water.

In some example embodiments, the trolling motor assembly 100 may includea motor sensor 182. The motor sensor may be a voltage sensor, a rotationper minute (RPM) sensor, a current sensor or other suitable sensor tomeasure the output of the trolling motor 155.

In an example embodiment, the trolling motor assembly 100 includes abattery sensor 183. The battery sensor 183 may include a current sensoror voltage sensor configured to measure the current charge of a batterypower supply of the trolling motor assembly 100.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an example trolling motor assembly 100′capable for use with several embodiments of the present invention. Thetrolling motor assembly 100′ is similar to and includes many of the samecomponents as the trolling motor assembly 100 shown in FIG. 7. Notably,however, different from the trolling motor assembly 100 of FIG. 7, thetrolling motor assembly 100′ of FIG. 8 further includes a foot pedalhousing 170′ that includes a foot pedal 175′, a display 140′, and a userinterface 135′, which may each be connected to the processor 110 (suchas detailed herein). In this regard, the depicted embodiment of FIG. 8shows that the main housing 105′ does not include the display 140′ oruser interface 135′, as it is instead in the foot pedal housing 170′(though some embodiments contemplate inclusion of the display 140′and/or user interface 135′ in the main housing).

Example Flowchart(s) and Operations

Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for receiving,processing, and displaying trolling motor related data. Various examplesof the operations performed in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention will now be provided with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart according to an example method forreceiving, processing, and displaying trolling motor related dataaccording to an example embodiment. The operations illustrated in anddescribed with respect to FIG. 9 may, for example, be performed by, withthe assistance of, and/or under the control of one or more of theprocessor 110/110′, sonar signal processor 115/115′, memory 120/120′,communication interface 130/130′, user interface 135/135′, locationsensor 146/146′, display 140/140′, sonar transducer assembly 160/160′,position sensor 180, 180′, speed sensor 181, 181′, motor sensor 182,182′, and/or battery sensor 183, 183′.

The method for receiving, processing, and displaying trolling motorrelated data depicted in FIG. 9 may include receiving position data froma position sensor at operation 502, generating display data based on atleast the position data at operation 516, and causing the display datato be displayed on the digital display at operation 518.

In some embodiments, the method for receiving, processing, anddisplaying trolling motor related data may include additional, optionaloperations, and/or the operations described above may be modified oraugmented. Some examples of modifications, optional operations, andaugmentations are described below, as indicated by dashed lines, such asreceiving speed data from a speed sensor at operation 504, receivingmotor data from a motor sensor at operation 506, and receiving chargedata from a battery sensor at operation 508. In an example embodiment,the method may include receiving sonar data from a sonar transducerassembly at operation 510 and generating one or more sonar images atoperation 512. In some example embodiments, the method may includecomparing the position data to a display orientation at operation 514.In some example embodiments, the method may also include generating atleast one waypoint distinct from the location of the watercraft or theroute associated with the location of the watercraft at operation 520.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a system, method, and computer programproduct according to an example embodiment. It will be understood thateach block of the flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in theflowcharts, may be implemented by various means, such as hardware and/ora computer program product comprising one or more computer-readablemediums having computer readable program instructions stored thereon.For example, one or more of the procedures described herein may beembodied by computer program instructions of a computer program product.In this regard, the computer program product(s) which embody theprocedures described herein may be stored by, for example, the memory120/120′ and executed by, for example, the processor 110/110′. As willbe appreciated, any such computer program product may be loaded onto acomputer or other programmable apparatus to produce a machine, such thatthe computer program product including the instructions which execute onthe computer or other programmable apparatus creates means forimplementing the functions specified in the flowchart block(s). Further,the computer program product may comprise one or more non-transitorycomputer-readable mediums on which the computer program instructions maybe stored such that the one or more computer-readable memories candirect a computer or other programmable device to cause a series ofoperations to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus implement the functions specified in the flowchart block(s).

CONCLUSION

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the embodiments of the invention are not to belimited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications andother embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of theinvention. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings describe example embodiments in the context ofcertain example combinations of elements and/or functions, it should beappreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions maybe provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scopeof the invention. In this regard, for example, different combinations ofelements and/or functions than those explicitly described above are alsocontemplated within the scope of the invention. Although specific termsare employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive senseonly and not for purposes of limitation.

1. A trolling motor assembly configured for attachment to a watercraft,wherein the trolling motor assembly comprises: a shaft defining a firstend and a second end; a trolling motor at least partially containedwithin a trolling motor housing, wherein the trolling motor housing isattached to the second end of the shaft, wherein, when the trollingmotor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trolling motorhousing is submerged in a body of water, the trolling motor, whenoperating, is configured to propel the watercraft to travel along thebody of water; a main housing connected to the shaft proximate the firstend of the shaft, wherein the main housing is configured to bepositioned out of the body of water when the trolling motor assembly isattached to the watercraft and the trolling motor housing is submergedin the body of water; a position sensor configured to determine thedirection of the trolling motor housing relative to the watercraft; adigital display; a processor; and a memory including computer programcode configured to, when executed, cause the processor to: receiveposition data from the position sensor; compare the position data to apredetermined display orientation; generate display data; and cause thedisplay data to be displayed on the digital display in a predetermineddirection relative to the watercraft based on the comparison of theposition data to the predetermined display orientation such that thedisplay data is presented in a direction that appears right side up to auser on the watercraft while the trolling motor housing rotates.
 2. Thetrolling motor assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a speed sensorconfigured to measure the speed of the watercraft through the body ofwater; wherein the computer program code is further configured to, whenexecuted, cause the processor to: receive speed data from the speedsensor, and wherein the display data is based on the speed data.
 3. Thetrolling motor assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a motor sensorconfigured to measure the output of the trolling motor; wherein thecomputer program code is further configured to, when executed, cause theprocessor to: receive motor data from the speed sensor, and wherein thedisplay data is based on the motor data.
 4. The trolling motor assemblyof claim 3, wherein the motor data comprises at least one of motorcurrent, motor speed, or a percent of a maximum motor output.
 5. Thetrolling motor assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a battery sensorconfigured to measure the charge remaining on a battery, wherein thebattery is electrically connected to and supplies power to the trollingmotor; and wherein the computer program code is further configured to,when executed, cause the processor to: receive charge data from thebattery sensor, and wherein the display data is based on the chargedata.
 6. The trolling motor assembly of claim 1, wherein the computerprogram code is further configured to, when executed, cause theprocessor to: receive an indication of a trolling motor mode from amonga plurality of trolling motor modes, and wherein the display datacomprises a mode indicator that provides an indication of a currenttrolling motor mode.
 7. The trolling motor assembly of claim 1, whereinthe digital display is glare or heat resistant.
 8. The trolling motorassembly of claim 1 wherein the digital display is a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) display
 9. The trolling motor assembly of claim 1, whereinthe processor and the memory are contained within the main housing. 10.The trolling motor assembly of claim 1, wherein the digital displaycomprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the firstportion comprises a direction indicator indicating a direction of thetrolling motor relative to the vessel.
 11. The trolling motor assemblyof claim 10, wherein the direction indicator comprises a digital dialdisposed about a circumference of the second portion.
 12. The trollingmotor assembly of claim 10, wherein the second portion includes a modeindicator, a battery indicator, a speed indicator, a motor indicator, ortext.
 13. The trolling motor assembly of claim 1, wherein the displaydata comprises sonar data.
 14. A system comprising: a trolling motorassembly configured for attachment to a watercraft, wherein the trollingmotor assembly comprises: a shaft defining a first end and a second end;a trolling motor at least partially contained within a trolling motorhousing, wherein the trolling motor housing is attached to the secondend of the shaft, wherein, when the trolling motor assembly is attachedto the watercraft and the trolling motor housing is submerged in a bodyof water, the trolling motor, when operating, is configured to propelthe watercraft to travel along the body of water; a main housingconnected to the shaft proximate the first end of the shaft, wherein themain housing is configured to be positioned out of the body of waterwhen the trolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraft and thetrolling motor housing is submerged in the body of water; a positionsensor configured to determine the direction of the trolling motorhousing relative to the watercraft; and a digital display; a processor;and a memory including computer program code configured to, whenexecuted, cause the processor to: receive position data from theposition sensor; compare the position data to a predetermined displayorientation; generate display data; and cause the display data to bedisplayed on the digital display in a predetermined direction relativeto the watercraft based on the comparison of the position data to thepredetermined display orientation such that the display data ispresented in a direction that appears right side up to a user on thewatercraft.
 15. The system of claim 14 further comprising: a motorsensor configured to measure the output of the trolling motor; whereinthe computer program code is further configured to, when executed, causethe processor to: receive motor data from the speed sensor, and whereinthe display data is based on the motor data.
 16. The system of claim 14further comprising: a battery sensor configured to measure the chargeremaining on a battery, wherein the battery is electrically connected toand supplies power to the trolling motor; and wherein the computerprogram code is further configured to, when executed, cause theprocessor to: receive charge data from the battery sensor, and whereinthe display data is based on the charge data.
 17. The system of claim14, wherein the digital display is glare or heat resistant.
 18. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the digital display comprises a firstportion and a second portion, wherein the first portion comprises adirection indicator indicating direction of the trolling motor relativeto the vessel, and wherein the direction indicator comprises a digitaldial disposed about a circumference of the second portion.
 19. Thesystem of claim 14, wherein the display data comprises sonar data.
 20. Amethod comprising: providing a trolling motor assembly configured forattachment to the watercraft, wherein the trolling motor assemblycomprises: a shaft defining a first end and a second end; a trollingmotor at least partially contained within the trolling motor housing,wherein the trolling motor housing is attached to the second end of theshaft, wherein, when the trolling motor assembly is attached to thewatercraft and the trolling motor housing is submerged in a body ofwater, the trolling motor, when operating, is configured to propel thewatercraft to travel along the body of water; a main housing connectedto the shaft proximate the first end of the shaft, wherein the mainhousing is configured to be positioned out of the body of water when thetrolling motor assembly is attached to the watercraft and the trollingmotor housing is submerged in the body of water; a position sensorconfigured to determine the direction of the trolling motor housingrelative to the watercraft; and a digital display; receiving, at aprocessor, position data from the position sensor; comparing theposition data to a predetermined display orientation; generating displaydata; and causing the display data to be displayed on the digitaldisplay in a predetermined direction relative to the watercraft based onthe comparison of the position data to the predetermined displayorientation such that the display data is presented in a direction thatappears right side up to a user on the watercraft while the trollingmotor housing rotates.